I'm so proud of my little guy! On Monday, the kids were involved in a 2 hour Miniature Horse camp. Everyone was excited, except Zach. Zach was angry and scared. He growled, crossed his arms, and glared - a LOT! 

When we arrived at the barn, he refused to go into the paddock. But when I told him that I needed his help with the camera, he decided that it was okay. He could help take pictures. And he did.  But what he didn't know is that I had had his brother get a bucket of grooming tools for him as well.

When it was time to practice grooming, he and I paired up on a mini-horse. Essy was one horse over, and needed my help, so I left Z with the job of brushing the horse. He wasn't happy but he did it.

Next we learned about walking/leading the horse. We did that together too.

Then we learned the different elements of the obstacle/show course. At first he was really nervous, because he had to do it with everyone watching. When in line for his turn, he said "Mom will you help me remember to do 3 rails, not four." It was then that I clued in on what was happening. My poor guy was afraid of messing up, of what others would think, of not being perfect. Oh man. That I could handle. So I assured that I would walk him through it. And I did. He handled the horse by himself, with me walking next to him, coaching him through each element.

Next they did a little competition. That he handled on his own, a little nervous but not needing me there. By the end, he was my little horseman. When we started out that morning there was no way he was going to go near that little horse, much less show it and then ride it. But look how we ended the session:

I'm so proud! He overcame his fear and bloomed.